Ponniyin Selvan, a classic Tamil novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy, has captivated readers with its vivid portrayals of historical characters, intricate plot, and beautiful language.
One of the most intriguing characters in the book is Kundhavai, the sister of the Chola king. Her strength, intelligence, and courage make her a fascinating character to study and emulate. Recently, I found inspiration in Kundhavai and decided to celebrate her spirit through drag.
Drag is a form of performance art in which individuals dress up in clothing typically associated with the opposite gender, often with exaggerated makeup and accessories. While drag has historically been associated with gay culture, it has evolved into a broader form of self-expression that allows individuals to explore their gender identity and celebrate femininity in new ways.
I have always been fascinated by Kundhavai’s character in Ponniyin Selvan. Her intelligence, courage, and strength of character are inspiring, and I wanted to celebrate her in a unique way. I decided to create a drag look inspired by Kundhavai, to celebrate her spirit and to explore my own femininity.
To bring my vision to life, I teamed up with Aninda Biswars, a talented photographer who specializes in capturing the beauty and diversity of drag culture. Together, we worked to create a photoshoot that would celebrate Kundhavai’s strength and resilience, while also showcasing the beauty and power of drag.
For the photoshoot, my wife Rajeswari helped with hair and makeup. Together, we worked to create a look that would capture the essence of Kundhavai, while also embracing the exaggerated, flamboyant style of drag.
Rajeswari expertly applied makeup to my face, emphasizing my eyes and cheekbones with bold colors and dramatic lines. She then styled my hair into a sleek, elegant bun, which was adorned with traditional South Indian jewelry.
The result was a stunning transformation that brought Kundhavai to life in a whole new way. In the photoshoot, I posed in traditional South Indian clothing, with intricate jewelry and a confident, powerful posture.
Aninda captured my images with a keen eye for detail, emphasizing the beauty and power of the drag look. Together, we created a series of images that celebrate Kundhavai’s spirit and the power of drag as a form of self-expression.
For me, this project was about more than just celebrating Kundhavai’s character. It was also a way for me to explore my own femininity and embrace a part of myself that I had long suppressed.
Growing up in a society that often devalues femininity and encourages toxic masculinity, I struggled to accept my own feminine qualities. But through drag, I have found a way to celebrate my femininity and embrace the power of gender expression as a form of self-love.
In Kundhavai’s character, I found a role model who embodies the best of femininity: strength, resilience, and intelligence. By celebrating her in drag, I was able to explore my own femininity in a new way and to find acceptance and pride in myself.
Ultimately, my photoshoot with Aninda Biswars was a celebration of the power of drag as a form of self-expression and a tribute to the inspiring character of Kundhavai from Ponniyin Selvan.
I hope that my work can inspire others to embrace their own femininity and to find strength and resilience in the power of drag. In a world that often devalues the contributions and beauty of women, it is important to celebrate feminine qualities and to empower those who embody them.
In conclusion, Kundhavai’s character from Ponniyin Selvan has inspired me to embrace my own femininity.
Pictures by Anindya Biswas